LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade

Why I reached for a reel mower

I pulled the LawnMaster reel mower out of its box on a warm Saturday morning with two goals in mind: get a cleaner cut than my rotary could deliver and stop babysitting batteries and gas cans. This 16-inch, 5-blade manual mower promised a scissor-like cut, a compact footprint, and zero fuss in the power department. After several weeks of regular use on a suburban lawn, here’s how it actually performed.

Setup and build quality

Assembly was quick and straightforward, with no surprises. The mower’s frame feels solid and the cutting reel and bedknife are proper steel, not decorative metal. The 10-inch front wheels are large enough to roll over small bumps and seams in sidewalks, and they contribute to a planted, predictable feel. It’s not featherlight, but it’s manageable—light enough to carry up a few steps, heavy enough to avoid chattering across uneven patches.

Height adjustment is simple and limited in a good way: four positions from 1 to 2 inches. That’s the right range for low-cut cool-season lawns you want to look tight and uniform, and it’s ideal for warm-season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia if you maintain them at a lower height. If you prefer a 3-inch-plus cut for tall fescue, this isn’t the mower to push higher; the design is intentionally about low, frequent cuts.

Overall, it’s well made for the price point. Nothing rattles, the reel runs true, and the handle has just enough rigidity to keep the head tracking straight without feeling harsh through the hands.

Cutting performance

The draw of a reel mower is the cut. Instead of tearing grass with a single spinning blade, a reel passes each blade against a fixed bedknife for a clean shear. On healthy turf that’s kept within the mower’s intended height, the LawnMaster delivers exactly that: a crisp, even cut with very little bruising. The lawn looks tidier, and the edges of individual blades stay healthier over time.

A few realities come with a motorless deck:

• There’s no suction to lift the grass. If the blades are leaning or matted, the mower can skate over them. I often make a second pass from a different direction to knock down the stragglers. This is normal with reel mowers and, in my experience, adds only a little time once you get the hang of your lawn’s patterns.
• Thick or coarse stalks (mature weeds, some broadleaf types, and seedy stems) are not this mower’s favorite. It will cut many of them if they’re short and soft, but tall, fibrous growth can resist the reel and just bend over. If you have a mixed lawn with a lot of coarse weeds, plan on spot-trimming or addressing the weeds separately.
• Overgrown grass is a nonstarter. If you’ve let the yard shoot past the 1/3 rule, this tool will punish you. Bring the height down with a powered mower or a service, then maintain with the reel.

Within its sweet spot—low, frequent mowing—the LawnMaster left me with a uniform surface and a more “golfy” look than my rotary. Clippings fall forward and settle into the canopy, which works like light mulching and keeps cleanup simple.

Ergonomics and maneuverability

At 16 inches wide, this is a nimble mower that shines in small to medium lawns, narrow side yards, and around landscaping. The large front wheels roll nicely over seams and small ruts. The balance is good; I never felt like I had to fight it into turns. It does ask for steady, rhythmic walking speed to keep the reel spinning. Push too slowly and it’ll struggle to cut; move with purpose and it hums along.

On flat ground, it’s almost meditative. On slopes, you’ll feel it. Because you are the motor, inclines ask for more effort and traction. I could manage gentle grades without issue, but I wouldn’t choose a manual reel as my primary mower for a hilly property.

Noise is minimal—soft mechanical whirring, no droning engine—so early mornings won’t wake the neighborhood. It’s also safer around kids and pets than a spinning steel blade that keeps coasting after you stop.

Maintenance and durability

A reel mower is a precision tool. Treat it like one and it will reward you. After each mow, I brush off clippings, wipe the reel and bedknife, and apply a light oil to keep surface rust at bay. Every few cuts, I check the reel-to-bedknife clearance: you want a whisper of contact or paper-thin gap across the width. The adjustment screws are accessible and responsive.

Steel blades are durable, but any reel will dull if you run it through sand, gravel, or sticks. Police the lawn beforehand—twigs can wedge between reel and bedknife and bring you to a stop. If the cut quality starts to fade, “backlapping” (a simple abrasive paste process) can restore the edge without a full grind. Plan for periodic lubrication at the axle points to keep the action smooth and quiet.

Stored vertically, it takes very little space and won’t leave an oil puddle or fumes. The lack of a motor, belts, or batteries reduces the maintenance list dramatically; it’s mostly cleanliness, adjustment, and occasional edge care.

Where it fits best

• Small to medium lawns with relatively even terrain.
• Homeowners who mow regularly and keep grass within the 1–2 inch window.
• Low-cut turf types (Bermuda, zoysia, rye, low-cut bluegrass) where a clean shear improves density and appearance.
• People who value quiet operation, low maintenance, and zero fuel/battery management.

It’s less ideal for:

• Lawns dominated by tall fescue or varieties typically maintained above 2 inches.
• Yards with steep slopes or very uneven ground.
• Lawns with heavy weed pressure or lots of coarse, woody stems.
• Users who prefer infrequent mowing or “rescue” cuts after long growth.

Tips for best results

• Mow more often than you would with a rotary, removing small amounts each time.
• Vary your mowing direction to catch laid-over blades.
• Walk at a steady, brisk pace to keep the reel cutting powerfully.
• Clear sticks, stones, and pine cones before you start.
• Keep the reel-to-bedknife clearance properly set; a business card makes a good gauge.
• Wipe the reel and bedknife after mowing and apply a light oil to prevent rust.
• If you’ve fallen behind, do a reset cut with a powered mower, then return to the reel schedule.

What stood out to me

• Cut quality: On turf within its height window, the scissor action noticeably improves the finish and turf health over time.
• Simplicity: No cords, no batteries, no tune-ups. It’s always ready, and it stores easily.
• Maneuverability: The 16-inch width and large front wheels make it nimble in tight spaces yet stable enough on small bumps.
• Honest limitations: It won’t power through overgrown or coarse material, and it demands frequent mowing. The 1–2 inch height range is a design choice, not a flaw, but it does narrow its audience.

The bottom line

The LawnMaster reel mower does exactly what a good manual reel should: deliver a clean, low cut with minimal maintenance and maximum simplicity. It’s quiet, compact, and satisfying to use when you keep to a regular mowing rhythm. The trade-offs are real—limited height range, more passes on stubborn spots, and a bit of a workout on slopes—but if your lawn and habits match its strengths, the payoff is a healthier-looking surface and fuss-free ownership.

Recommendation: I recommend this mower for small to medium, relatively flat lawns maintained at 1–2 inches, especially for warm-season turf or low-cut cool-season mixes. If you value cut quality, quiet operation, and low maintenance—and you’re willing to mow frequently—it’s a smart, affordable choice. If your grass needs a higher cut, your lawn is weedy or hilly, or you prefer infrequent mowing, look to a higher-cut rotary or a powered reel instead.